49ers Blog and Q&A: Special teams ace Robinson surprised by his release

49ers Blog and Q&A

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September 3, 2010

Special teams ace Robinson surprised by his release

Michael Robinson appeared to be a lock to make the final roster. He was made a team captain the last two seasons for his special teams prowess and Mike Singletary insisted that special teams value would be a huge factor in determining the final squad. Moreover, Robinson played well on special teams throughout the preseason, delivering a pancake block on the opening kickoff against Indianapolis and helping to free Phillip Adams on his 83-yard return in Oakland. Singletary has put a big emphasis on the return game this offseason, and Robinson was instrumental in springing the returner.

Robinson was called into Singletary's office this morning and given the bad news. He had been cut. What was he told? "Basically, I didn't fit what they're doing on offense and it was a numbers game." Robinson said he also had been told that special teams coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer would have a big say in forming the final roster. "I don't know how much sway (special teams) had in the end," he said.

Robinson said he wasn't bitter about the decision and wished his team the best of luck. "They have to make decisions," he said. "Every year there are guys let go who are surprises. ... I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Robinson is one of several special teams stalwarts from previous years who no longer is with the team. Jeff Ulbrich retired, Marcus Hudson went to Carolina in free agency and Scott McKillop is out for the season with a torn ACL. The team also cut fullback Brit Miller today. Miller had been prolific on coverage units during the preseason.

-- Matt Barrows

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